Luxembourg signed yesterday a framework contract with the pharmaceutical group Seqirus concerning the production and supply of vaccines against pandemic influenza. 

In so doing, the Grand Duchy has joined fourteen other EU Member States and the European Commission who have signed the same agreement guaranteeing equitable access to vaccines in the event of a flu pandemic at a competitive price. The group purchase of vaccines and medicines against serious cross-border threats to health has therefore become a reality in the EU.

For Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Étienne Schneider, this is an important step: "I salute the efforts of the European Commission, through which our country will improve the stock of necessary vaccines for our citizens."

Due to the increase in the critical mass of the participating members, Belgium, Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain (which represent about half of the EU's population) and the European Commission will be able to guarantee the availability of pandemic vaccines through group purchasing in sufficient quantities - and at the right prices - in the event of a trans-border health threat.

Negotiations are underway with another pharmaceutical company for the signature of a second set of contracts, which will maximise immunisation coverage according to the specific needs of participating Member States and further improve their preparation for the next pandemic.